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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing at least twice daily is
vital for good dental health. Unfortunately, even the most diligent
brushing and flossing is incapable of keeping your teeth clean and
healthy over time. This is why family dentists and cosmetic dentists
alike recommend a professional teeth cleaning at least once every six
months in addition to regular self-care through brushing and flossing.

Even
when you brush your teeth every morning and every night, a regular
toothbrush is not able to remove all the plaque that forms on your teeth
during the day and at night while you sleep. The plaque you are unable
to remove builds up, and over time it mineralizes, meaning it hardens.
When plaque mineralizes and hardens, it turns into a substance called
tartar. In addition to being very unsightly, tartar is downright
impossible to remove with regular brushing and like plaque, it builds up
over time without professional cleanings.

A tartar build-up is
bad news in many ways. Tartar will give your teeth a yellow, crusty
appearance rather than the brilliant white that is a staple of a
"million dollar smile." Tartar doesn't smell too great, either, and it's
a leading culprit when it comes to halitosis (bad breath). Finally,
when tarter builds up on your teeth, it contributes to the calcium on
your tooth enamel breaking down. This speeds up the development of
cavities.

To prevent all this from happening, you need to
eliminate tartar with regular professional teeth cleanings. Typically, a
professional cleaning begins with tooth scaling, which your dental
hygienist will complete using a handheld tooth scaler. This is the
somewhat scary-looking metal contraption you've probably seen at the
dentist's office with the hook-shaped metal point on one end. Truth be
told, this device is nothing to be scared of and its use is not only
painless but vital for loosening up calcified tartar so that it can be
removed from your teeth.

The next step is tooth polishing, which
is done with a specialized electric brush featuring a small round
brushing surface which spins rapidly as the hygienist uses it to clean
your teeth. This not only removes all the remaining tartar, but it also
polishes the surface of your teeth which makes it more difficult for
plaque to build up between now and your next cleaning.

If your
tartar buildup is severe, your dental hygienist may also elect to
perform a procedure known as debridement. This is a more aggressive
approach where an ultrasonic device, periodontal scaler, or saline
solution is used to break up the tartar which was not able to be
loosened with normal tooth scaling. After this is completed, the tartar
is removed.

There is no reason not to schedule a professional
teeth cleaning at least every six months. For one thing, it is a very
affordable procedure. In addition, modern instruments and cleaning
techniques minimize the discomfort that used to be synonymous with a
dental visit decades ago. Nowadays, most people report that teeth
cleanings are comfortable and even pleasant. The best part of a
professional cleaning, however, is walking out of the dentist's office
and being able to flash a tartar-free, bright white smile!

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists
will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs
to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment.
Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Monday, February 23, 2015

It’s hockey night tonight. For every time you hoot, holler, tear into nachos or drink a cold one, Crest and Oral-B will be there. So you can really sink your teeth into the game.
Crest is a proud partner of the NHL.®

Friday, February 20, 2015

Does fear of painful dental procedures keep you from seeing the
dentist? Anxiety about seeing the dentist prevents more than half of
U.S. adults from getting regular check-ups. But with new advancements in
painless dental technology and sedation dentistry, there's no longer
any need to be afraid of seeing your dentist. Learn how to make your
next trip to the dentist pain-free.

Find the Right Local Dentist for You

In
the same manner that you would select a hair stylist or personal
trainer who really understands your needs, you should do the same with
finding the right dentist for you. Find a dental professional who
listens, understands, and sympathizes with your concerns. Recognizing
that fear of seeing the dentist is a very real concern preventing many
patients from getting proper oral care, many more dentists are now
trained to deal with client communication and dental anxiety. Search
online for a local dentist who offers sedation or gentle dentistry, and
call to speak with the receptionist. Discuss with him or her your
concerns and learn how their dental office manages client pain. Don't be
afraid to ask the receptionist questions so you get a better
understanding of each dental practice, increasing the likelihood of
finding the right dentist for your particular needs.

Dentist-Patient Communication is Key

Be
upfront with your dentist about your fears or concerns about pain.
There are often painless methods they can use, or medications they can
prescribe, to help ease any potential pain or anxiety. Also, talk to
your dentist beforehand about a signal you can use during a procedure to
indicate that you need a break, such as raising your hand. Be sure to
always tell the dentist if you self-medicated for the pain before your
appointment. Self-medicating is not recommended as a patient risks
serious complications using painkillers or alcohol prior to dentist
visits. Your comfort and outcome will increase dramatically with good
dentist-patient communication.

New Dental Technologies Increase Patient Comfort

Don't
let experiences from your childhood dictate your feelings about
visiting the dentist. With modern dental techniques, you'd be surprised
how much less painful and invasive many of the procedures are today.
Many dental procedures can be now done comfortably without anesthesia
and new technology in dentistry has improved client comfort
dramatically. Modern laser technology, for example, painlessly treats a
large percentage of shallow cavities.

Sedation Dentistry Provides Painless Dental Treatments

Oral
sedation is a method used by trained dentists to provide a relaxing and
pain-free experience for patients who have anxiety or are particularly
fearful of pain. Sedative drugs, including tranquilizers, depressants,
sleeping pills or anxiolytics, are used to induce sedation. Because it
takes several hours for the medication to fully wear off, this can also
allow for multiple procedures to be done in one sitting - saving you
time and extra dental appointments. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be
used, which has a shorter recovery time - allowing you to drive yourself
home after your appointment.

At Gateway Dental, patient comfort
is always our top priority. If you have concerns that are preventing you
from great oral care, please contact us to discuss these fears at
703-726-0333 or visit www.GatewayDental4u.com to set up an appointment. Dr. Michael Eghtessad received his undergraduate degree in
Biology from George Mason University in VA. He Attended Howard
University School of Dentistry in 1994 where he met his wife and
graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Eghtessad has been
practicing General Dentistry in Virginia since 1998. He has been named
one of the top dentists by Washingtonian magazine. He has extensive
experience in oral sedation and all fields of General Dentistry. Visit: http://www.gatewaydental4u.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Chipped, cracked, discolored, and missing teeth can cause a
person severe social anxiety in regards to their image as perceived by
their peers. If this sounds like you, do not fear! There are a number of
procedures that can be done to remedy your situation. Visit a dentist
and see what cosmetic services they can offer you. Most professionals
will be able to do implants, crowns, whitening, reshaping, and
contouring. Let's explore the details of these procedures so that you
will know what to expect.

Dental Implants Are The Safest Way to a New Smile

Missing
teeth can be very hard to deal with. Perhaps you feel like you will
never want to smile again. A skilled dentist can return your radiant
smile to your face. The implant procedure involves just a few simple
steps. First, a mold will be taken of your teeth. Next, your
professional will insert a small rod into the gum of the missing tooth.
From there, the next step is shaping a new tooth and screwing it into
place on the rod. Once it is in, it will be further shaped and colored
to match the rest of your teeth, so it will be impossible to tell that
it is an implant. This procedure is extremely safe, and it has been
shown to stimulate healthy, natural jawbone growth in the area of the
missing tooth and root.

Whitening Procedures to Give You That Million-Dollar Smile

Discolored
teeth can be a real turn off, but don't worry. Your dentist can also
whiten your teeth in just one visit so that you can leave with a pearly
white smile. The majority of these procedures involve using a bleach
compound on the teeth and letting it sit for a while. Some whitening
procedures involve multiple short visits to the office, and others are
just one long procedure. Depending on what your schedule looks like, you
can always find a time to whiten your teeth. Bring back those pearly
whites!

Veneers Will Whiten and Give Your Teeth That Shapely Look For Cheap

Veneers
are designed for chipped, misshapen, and discolored teeth. This
procedure is so simple it does not even require anesthesia. Veneers are
simply a thin piece of porcelain or plastic that is placed over the
teeth to improve the overall look in an economical manner. These options
are cheaper than bonds, and they address the same issues. Bonds are
made from a composite that is used to reshape and whiten teeth, but they
need to be redone ever few years due to chipping and weakening of the
composite over time.

Costly Crowns

Crowns are caps that are
placed on the top of a tooth to return it to its original shape. This
option is costly and time consuming. Your dentist will generally
recommend other procedures before going the route of a crown unless
there are no other options. Crowns are also the most durable cosmetic
option besides implants. Crowns outlast bonds and veneers, but they will
take a long time and cost a fair amount of money.

Don't fret over your teeth! Visit your dentist and see what amazing cosmetic procedures they can perform for you.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

It's not your imagination and you can ask a dentist about jaw
aches and tooth sensitivity caused by the cold weather. Your dentist
will not think you're crazy or just prone to complaint. Dental winter
blues is a real condition. The cold weather can chap your lips, dry your
skin, and it can hammer on the nerves connected to your teeth. There
are a few preventive measures you can take to lessen the pain, but visit
the dentist if you suspect your sensitivity is an indication of a more
serious health issue.

Cover Your Face

Buy a
trendy scarf or face mask and cover your face, especially the nose and
mouth area, when you go outdoors. This keeps the mouth and nasal lining
from drying out. It also serves as a barrier from the cold, warming the
air before in goes in your nose and mouth. A scarf over your nose
conserves heat and moisture. As much as you can, breath from your nose
and not the mouth. Breathing from the mouth brings in cold air that
could trigger a sensitive nerve.

Try a Hot Drink

If you're outdoors or even indoors without heating, the fastest way to warm your nasal and oral cavities is a hot drink.
You don't need anything fancy, hot water will do. A hot drink also
warms the hands and has a calming, soothing effect. Conversely, avoid
cold drinks and hard food that can put more stress on your sensitive
teeth.

Fluoride Products for Sensitive Teeth

There are toothpastes and mouthwashes made especially to help make teeth less sensitive.
Mouthwash products are high in fluoride, which seals the teeth,
protecting it from sudden changes in temperature. Fluoride rinses and
gels are available with a prescription, if you need stronger fluoride
products. Dentists apply fluoride gel after treating for gum disease, to
help reduce sensitivity. Never swallow any fluoride products, it can be
toxic in large amounts.

Over the Counter Desensitizing Toothpastes

Desensitizing
toothpaste, available over the counter, is the most popular remedy for
sensitive teeth. With a clean finger or a cotton swab, rub a small
amount of desensitizing toothpaste on the affected tooth. Leave the
tooth to "marinade", don't rinse. If you get extra toothpaste on your tongue, spit instead of rinsing. Desensitizing toothpastes should take effect in 2 to 3 weeks.

Say No to Tobacco

Chewing tobacco causes tooth sensitivity.
It also stains the teeth, wears down the tooth's surface, cause tooth
decay and recedes the gums. Chewing will not give you lung cancer like
smoking, but it can lead to mouth cancer. It's time to quit before
permanently damaging your health.

Most people experience sensitive
teeth weeks and months after getting a filling or dental cleaning. Your
teeth needs to recover after experiencing trauma, so just be gentle
with your teeth and wait for it to heal. Sensitivity is usually caused
by exposed dentin, a result of tooth decay. Dentin has small nerve
fibers which sends pain signals to the brain. When the surface of the
tooth wears out or corrodes, dentin is exposed underneath.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

A good cosmetic dentist can correct your entire facial structure
by making corrections in the position of the teeth so that you can have
the flawless smile that you have always wanted. But finding the right
professional can be a daunting undertaking. How do you go about choosing
the perfect one for you? Here are a few factors to consider while
looking for a cosmetic dentist.

Consider How Many Years Experience The Dentist Has Had

It
is always advisable to seek the services of an established cosmetic
dentist who has had several years of experience with doing different
types of procedures. A professional who has ample experience will be
more qualified to give you the best possible suggestions, advice and
quality of care based on earlier experiences.

References from Others

Nothing
beats a word of mouth referral when you are looking for a cosmetic
dentist. Ask around. Your family and friends may know somebody. It is
also a good idea to speak to a few people who have undergone cosmetic
dental work and ask them whether they are happy with the work they got
done.

Look for a Dentist Who is Close to You

However
good someone may be, it may not be worth it to travel for hours for
your treatment. Look for professional in the vicinity. This will help
even after you start getting treatment so that you can get home without a
problem and you will be able to make it even if the appointment gets
rescheduled.

Pictures of Patients

A great
way to get an idea of the work that the dentist does is to go through
before and after pictures of patients. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. You
may not like the artwork of certain professionals. By looking at the
pictures, you will be able to figure out if the style of the dentist
suits what you want so that you will be able to get the desired results
instead of being stuck with something that you will not like later.

Read Reviews Of The Dental Professionals You've Shortlisted

You
will be able to find a number of reviews of well known cosmetic
dentists online. It makes sense going through these reviews because this
is one medium where you will be able to see comments of people who are
happy with the work as well as those who have complaints. By going
through the reviews, you can even ask questions on certain forums so you
will be able to gauge whether the dentist has a good reputation or not.

Midtown Dental
is located in Lakeland, Florida. This dental clinic consists of a
number of highly qualified and experienced cosmetic dentists and
friendly, helpful staff. They believe in building long term
relationships with clients and have a successful and happy client base
for over a decade. Check out our new page on Cosmetic Dentist.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Although many might agree that flossing every day is somewhat
irritating, the activity does the mouth a world of good. Dental floss
has a number of excellent effects, and not flossing every day can lead
to some things that are best avoided.

1. Yellowed Teeth

The
first effect of infrequent floss is the yellowing of teeth as a result
of bacterial build up. As much as frequent brushing of teeth is
important to a healthy, white smile, dental floss helps just as much,
because tooth brushes can't reach between the teeth anywhere near as
well as properly applied floss can. So skipping days or not using floss
at all can darken the teeth more than most might think.

2. Bleeding Gums

Leaving
the bacteria that builds up between the teeth between the teeth is bad
for the gums, and can result in bleeding. This bleeding can occur while
eating, brushing teeth, or when floss finally does make contact;
essentially, any rough contact with the gums starts to cause pain. This
is a result of the unhealthy bacteria that can begin to inhabit the gums
when they aren't forced away through constant application of toothpaste
and floss, and can quickly lead to gingivitis.

3. Bad Breath

Also
referred to as halitosis, bad breath can be a persistent symptom of
poor oral hygiene and, although many might not think it, of infrequent
use of floss. While most cases of bad breath are solved through simple
brushing, any food that remains between the teeth is still food stuck in
the mouth, and can therefore still be omitting an odor that seemingly
refuses to go away. The cleanest breath possible is a result of complete
oral hygiene - this includes using dental floss!

4. Tooth Decay and Loss

Gingivitis,
which is a common result of tartar building up between the teeth, can
cause the gums to recede into the mouth. This, combined with the buildup
pressing against the tooth, can result in the actual decay and eventual
loss of some teeth. It is suggested that the average adult in America
has lost as many as seven teeth as a result of insufficient flossing -
or none at all.

5. Cavities

Part of the
process of tooth decay means that cavities are significantly more likely
to develop while food is left between the teeth; after all, floss is a
part of good oral hygiene. While most are willing to dismiss cavities,
since they can be filled easily, this is often the start of a difficult
process whereby the tooth gradually becomes weaker and it decays further
and receives more fillings. This often leads to the aforementioned loss
of teeth.

As melodramatic as it may sound, not using dental floss
frequently can result in surprisingly disastrous consequences for oral
hygiene. From the relatively mild yellow teeth to the significant loss
of teeth, there are a great many reasons to floss regularly and avoid
the harmful potential of not monitoring and taking care of the mouth as
much as possible.

Cute Smile Dental is a leading Los Angeles area dentist located
in Reseda offering cosmetic/preventative dentistry, orthodontist
services and periodontist treatments. Please visit: http://cutesmiledental.net for more information.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

A dental emergency such as an injury to the gums or damage to the
teeth can be very serious. Such occurrences should not be ignored.
Ignoring these problems can result to serious dental issues. You run the
risk of permanently damaging your gums or teeth, which could result to
the need for extensive treatments that cost much more.

It is important to contact an emergency dentist as soon as you experience a gum injury or damage to your teeth.

What to do when faced with an emergency

There
are several things you can do to deal with problems before you visit
dental clinics.The following is a summary of some tips for handling
urgent situations:

• Broken or chipped teeth: Ensure that you save
any pieces of the tooth. Rinse out your mouth with warm water to remove
all debris from your mouth. This will help you avoid swallowing any
pieces. Apply a piece of gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. If
there is swelling, use a cold press on the outside of the mouth to keep
the swelling down.

• Cracked or lost filling: Chew on sugarless gum and stick it in the cavity or crack.

•
Fallen crowns: Retrieve the fallen crown and ensure that you carry it
with you when you visit the emergency dentist. If you're experiencing
pain, apply clove oil with a cotton swab to the sensitive area. Avoid
using superglue to reattach the crown.

• Toothache: Use pain
relief medicines such as aspirin to help with the pain. Rinse your mouth
with warm water and brush or floss your teeth to remove any food
particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Use a cold press on the
outside of your mouth if your gum is swollen.

• Broken wires or
braces: Broken wires or braces can result in injury to your gum, tongue
or cheek. Push the wire into a position that will provide greater
comfort for you. You can use the eraser end of a pencil for this. You
can also apply a cotton ball or piece of gauze over the wire if you
can't reposition the wire.

• Infections or abscesses: An abscess
is an infection that occurs at the base of the tooth around the root. It
results in damage of the tissues around the teeth. The infection can
easily spread to other parts of the body if not dealt with properly.
Rinse your mouth with warm salty water several times a day.

•
Injuries to the soft tissue in the mouth: Rinse the mouth with a warm
salt-water solution. Apply gauze to the bleeding area. You can also use a
tea bag. Hold this in place until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold
press outside the mouth if there is swelling.

Monday, February 2, 2015

When you get new dental work done, you probably won't be thinking
much about when you'll need to get it replaced. Veneers, crowns, and
other dental hardware, however, will eventually wear out and will need
to be replaced.

How long do these kinds of work last? As a general
rule of thumb, most veneers and crowns can last for seven years. Some
last even longer, depending upon various factors.

Factors That Cause Wear and Tear on Tooth Work

The
factors that cause some veneers and crowns to wear out after only seven
years, and others to last for a decade or two are varied. Here are some
of the issues that impact the life of your veneers and crowns:

Construction: The materials used in the construction of
your veneers can impact the useful life or your dental work. As a rule,
resin veneers do not last as long as those constructed out of
porcelain. Porcelain veneers can last from 10 to 15 years.

Dental Hygiene and Personal Habits: If you have issues
with tooth grinding (bruxism), your crowns and veneers may not last as
long as in people who do not have that habit. Poor dental hygiene, too,
takes its toll even on crowns and veneers. Although the artificial part
of the crown cannot decay as do normal teeth, remember that the crown is
attached to a real tooth. That tooth can, and often does, become
decayed if you have poor dental hygiene.

Your Mouth's Chemical Balance: Certain medical conditions or eating habits can cause your mouth to become too acidic. That, in turn, can cause your veneers and crowns
to break down more quickly. As a part of routine dental checkups, some
dentists check the acidity of their patients' saliva using pH strips.
Depending upon the result, those dentists may work with their patients
to help them choose a diet that will give their dental work a longer
lifespan.

When Does My Dental Work Need to Be Replaced?

Although
most veneers and crowns last for anywhere between 7 and 12 years, there
will come a time that you will need to replace yours. Here are some
things you can look for to help you decide when it is time to have them
replaced.

Negative Changes in Appearance: Over time, your dental
work may shift relative to their position in your mouth. These shifts
can affect your appearance. If your gum line recedes, the place where
your crown ends may become visible. The color of your dental work may
change over the years, causing a mismatch with the rest of your teeth.

Worn or Damaged Dental Work: Obviously, if your old
dental work gets broken or chipped, it's time for a change. Yet some
damage from wear is more subtle. If you grind your teeth, your crowns
may develop small holes. Even though you may not be able to see this
damage, your dentist will see it during your routine checkup and alert
you to the need to replace it.

Dislodged Veneers: Your veneers can become dislodged or
even pop off. Generally, they can be replaced, providing that the tooth
underneath is healthy.

You may ask, "Is there anything I can do to extend the
life of my dental work?" Yes, there is. If you maintain a daily routine
that includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing them once a day,
and using a fluoride mouthwash, you can keep them in better shape.
Also, a regular dental cleaning and checkup is an important part of
giving your dental work a longer, more useful life. To discover more
information about extending the life of your dental work, contact your
dentist today.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Caven and his experienced team help you find
your best smile. Offering advanced technology in Jacksonville, Florida
for a variety of cosmetic dental services, Dr. Caven offers a versatile range of solutions for healthy smiles.